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    Alex Tumalip
    Alex Tumalip
    Jul 23, 2024, 18:11

    Meet 19-year-old Czech backstopper Michael Hrabal, who drew some eyes for his size and ability at prospect camp.

    Meet 19-year-old Czech backstopper Michael Hrabal, who drew some eyes for his size and ability at prospect camp.

    © Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports - This Utah HC Goaltender Prospect Is A Big Brick House

    It's not just the forwards and defencemen opponents that are physically imposing for the Utah Hockey Club.

    We've already spoken about big prospects like Dmitry Simashev, Maveric Lamoreaux, and Cole Beaudoin, among others.

    But when you add a goaltender to that mix, you've got quite the super-sized lineup.

    Originally from the Czech Republic, goaltender Michael Hrabal was drafted with the 38th overall pick by Arizona in 2023, with his rights coming to Utah in spring 2024.

    The 19-year-old broke onto the scene with HC Sparta Praha and their under-20 team, winning 18 of his 24 appearances in 2021-22 while posting a 2.14 goals against average (GAA) and a .936 save percentage.

    He then made 31 appearances for the Omaha Lancers of the USHL before matriculating to the University of Massachusetts this past season.

    In 30 appearances for UMass, he won 16 of them, adding a 2.59 GAA and a .912 save percentage as a true freshman for the Minutemen.

    Hrabal impressed in prospect camp, too, making several impressive saves on prospect Tij Iginla in the open scrimmage at Delta Center on July 5.

    You can add Hrabal to the list of prospects in college that are looking to take a big step forward this season; he could become a name to watch for Utah HC fans in the future.